by Betty Bolte
"We can leave after we break the fast in two days." He kissed her fingers, one by one, his gaze dwelling on her features. "Will that be enough time?"
"That would be perfect." Her voice sounded strange, rough and low. She cleared her throat, feeling awkward and dizzy. "I-I have much to prepare before our departure."
He nodded and helped her stand. "As do I." He pressed his lips to hers, stirring her calming senses. "See you at supper."
He departed, glancing back at her with a grin before disappearing down the hall. She remained still, several realizations descending upon her. Not least of which was, she could fall in love with him. Oh dear...
Chapter 14
Charlestown rebounded from its occupation by the Britons with the grit and spirit inherent in the people. The lane teemed with wagons hauling merchandise to and from the docks as well as men riding and walking, conducting their business. Nathaniel sat his roan gelding, Jingo, the creak of leather a soft undertone adding to the commotion on the busy street. He followed Frank, driving a team of horses transporting the last wagonload of the museum contents on the now familiar route down Tradd to King and then a left onto Queen. After the items were safely inside the brick building, he'd be free to help Evelyn move out of town. Away from him. Unless he could change her mind about her plan.
Benjamin and Captain Sullivan waited by the rear doors while Frank slowed the team of horses to a halt. Nathaniel dismounted and tied the reins to the hitching post. With a quick pat on Jingo's neck, he strode to the wagon.
"Let's get this job done." Lowering the rear gate, he hopped up onto the wagon.
"In a hurry?" Benjamin moved to receive the box from Nathaniel.
Handing off the light container, Nathaniel nodded. "I have promised to help Lyn ready the carriage house to live in."
Benjamin stopped in the middle of turning to carry the box inside and peered at Nathaniel, one brow lifted in question. "But?"
Choosing the next box, he hefted it and lowered it into Frank's waiting hands. "She doesn't seem to realize the fallacy of her intent."
Frank chuckled as he rested the edge of the box on the wagon. "You're going to try to interfere, aren't you?"
"No, I'm going to attempt to make her see reason." Nathaniel looked at his two friends as they smirked at him, then exchanged a knowing look before finally guffawing in unison. "Why are you laughing?"
Frank and Benjamin exchanged another glance and then shook their heads to dismiss his question as unworthy of an answer. They turned and carried their treasures inside the dim building, trailing the sound of their mirth. Nathaniel stiffened, their censure irritating every fiber in his body.
Captain Sullivan snorted a laugh as he joined Nathaniel by the wagon. "You don't seem to know your way around women, son."
Nathaniel shifted an oak barrel closer to the rear of the conveyance. Leaning on it, he studied the captain. "Why do you say that?"
Joshua folded his arms and smiled. "Evelyn's mind won't be changed by making her see reason, first off. She won't listen until her heart does."
"You think you know her better?"
"I've known her since the day her mother welcomed her into this world." Joshua dropped his hands to fist on his hips. "You'd do well to listen to me."
"Perhaps so, sir." Straightening, Nathaniel rested his hands on the barrel and considered his plan. "I've done my best to learn how to reconnoiter for a mission, but my current objective seems somewhat murky."
Joshua's gaze sharpened as he peered up at Nathaniel. "You surveyed for the army? I thought Benjamin said you were the cook."
"I was, but only after Smitty fled his responsibilities." A movement to his left drew his attention. Frank and Benjamin emerged from the interior and strode to the wagon. "Prior to that, yes, I reconnoitered the surroundings as the brigade moved."
"Well, then if you're still looking for long-term employment, I know they'll be needing surveyors after the peace treaty is signed. New lands to the west will change hands as a result, lands needing to be appropriately divided and allocated."
Talk about a temptation. Surveying the new frontier lands would give him the adventure of a lifetime. Wilderness to explore as well as wild animals to learn about. Living animals as opposed to the preserved specimens in the building behind him. He'd locate a pretty piece of land to build his own home and barn, with a pleasing view of the mountains. Or maybe of a lake or river. The greater the extent of the new lands, the greater the money he'd earn as a surveyor and the more foundation he'd build for his future.
Then Evelyn's image floated into his memory. She didn't fear moving out to the country estate. Perhaps he could convince her to give him a chance as her husband, but would she consider moving so far away from family? Would she ever love him enough to make such a sacrifice? Torn between his two desires, he needed to explore both options.
"I'd like to learn more about the prospect when the time comes."
Benjamin gripped the side of the wagon and frowned up at Nathaniel. "What of Evelyn?"
"What about her?" Nathaniel paused in the act of dragging a barrel from the front of the wagon bed toward the rear.
"You seemed to be interested in the lady, yet now you're talking about leaving town?" Benjamin lowered his hands to prop them on his hips. "I won't allow you to do anything that will break my sister-in-law's heart."
"I have no intention of doing so." Nathaniel shoved the barrel a bit closer to its destination. "Especially since she hasn't agreed to permit me to wait upon her. Yet."
"And if she were to court you? What then?" Frank reached up to help slide the barrel.
"I hope she will court me." Nathaniel gave another shove and the barrel sat at the edge of the gate. "Then with good fortune, marry me and go with me."
Frank and Benjamin gaped at him while Joshua barked a disbelieving laugh. Then all three men started talking at once.
"You can't possibly mean to take her away!"
"What about Amy? She'll lose her sister."
"The frontier is no place for a delicate lady and a young child."
Nathaniel waved his hands until they stopped speaking. "Hold on! One step at a time."
Joshua frowned at him, hands on his hips and feet apart as though bracing onboard a storm-tossed ship. "You can't mean to drag a lady and child so far from family and friends."
Nathaniel nodded, understanding how bereft the three must feel at the idea of their circle being broken by an outsider. "If she'll have me, then yes."
"Her sister will be devastated if Evelyn does go with you." Benjamin shook his head, a slow movement weighted with reproach. "Such a distance as you're contemplating would make it impossible for them to see each other again."
"Not impossible, but you're correct they wouldn't visit often."
"I think it's important for quality folks to make the effort to settle the new lands." Frank grinned up at him, nodding his approval. "Adventurous folks are the ones who establish towns and cities, all of which will help our fledgling country thrive."
He nodded in appreciation of Frank's support, and then absorbed the censure on the other men's countenances. "I understand your consternation, gentlemen. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Evelyn is safe from my scheme." He grinned at the three worried faces. "For now, let's finish the job we started."
"Just tell me you won't spring the idea upon her." Benjamin stepped aside to let Frank take a better grip on the barrel. "And don't breathe a word of the possibility to my wife."
"Agreed." Nathaniel shoved on the container while Frank grabbed the bottom edge. "Catch that other side, Ben."
Benjamin and Frank wrestled the barrel to the ground and walked it into the building, their grunts and curses fading as they disappeared inside. Nathaniel handed down the next container to Joshua. They continued until the wagon stood empty and Nathaniel shut the gate with a bang.
"Thanks for your help." Frank clapped Nathaniel on the back. "I'll add the agreed amount to your pay this week."
"Much appreciated. If you'll excuse me, I have some errands to run."
Benjamin grinned, crossing his arms over his expansive chest. "I wish you good fortune in your aims. Despite my misgivings, I respect your ambition."
"Thank you, I think." Nathaniel chuckled, a mirthless laugh. "I will need all the luck available."
No matter what the three sniggering men might think, Nathaniel had every intention of winning his lady's hand. But how?
Chapter 15
The last piece of cylinder glass rested against the wall, waiting for Nathaniel to return. Evelyn dipped a rag into the bucket of water, wrung it out, then rubbed the most recently set pane in the carriage house window. Fortunately, the latest method for creating glass panes for the windows had lowered the cost as well as making the pieces easier to install. However, the less expensive process introduced blisters and tool marks which decreased the lucidity of the glass. The result of glassing in the windows would be a warmer and brighter place to live. Well worth the sacrifice of being able to see clearly through the glass.
Using a clean rag, she started drying the pane as her helper strode back into the room carrying a pail of white goo. The door banged closed, startling the baby and Jemma, the young mulatto woman tending to him by the fireplace. The merry blaze warmed them despite one remaining open window frame.
Jemma soothed Jim, cradling him in her arms as she rocked him on the hard chair. Evelyn liked the petite girl well enough, but she'd soon replace her with a more competent nursemaid. She wore a pale blue quilted skirt and tan blouse, holding the child in his long baby dress and white cap. Her brown leather-clad feet propelled the chair in a steady beat. They made a pretty picture in the rustic room. But Jemma had other talents Evelyn intended to encourage.
"Ready to put this one in?" Nathaniel pulled on work gloves.
"Certainly." Dropping her rags on the table in the center of the room, Evelyn crossed to help him lift the glass into place.
She held it steady while he applied caulking to seal the gap between the glass and the wood. Using a small putty knife, he filled the crevice an inch at a time, starting on the left side, moving down and across to secure the bottom. Evelyn stood on his right until he reached the middle of the pane, then stepped back to allow him to sidle in front of her as he continued across.
She sucked in her breath when his back barely cleared her chest as he concentrated on his task. Her breasts throbbed, needing to nurse her son. They also ached to be touched by a man. She'd not anticipated having him so close, so often. So much for putting distance between them. Each time they'd placed a window, she'd endured the same intoxicating proximity of the oh-so-tempting man. But when he finished in a few more minutes, the temptation would end. She hoped.
Nathaniel shoved more of the white rubbery substance into place, finally reaching the corner and starting upward. "Almost done. Just hold it until I reach the top corner, then you can let go."
"The room feels warmer already." She repositioned her hands to allow him access to the upper part of the window.
"Have you done this before?" He glanced at her, a flash of steely eyes that sparked something hot and needy inside her.
"No, but it's not complicated after the first time." Unlike their relationship, which seemed to grow more and more thorny with each passing hour.
They'd worked together all day to make the rustic building comfortable to occupy for several weeks. While spring loomed, the cold temperatures and inclement weather would not end for several months. He had appeared the day prior at the town home with a wagon, its bed covered with a tarpaulin. She'd had the slaves load onto the wagon the items from her short list which she'd gathered over the previous days. Once everything had been tucked into the remaining gaps between the other tools and supplies, they again covered everything with tarpaulins.
They'd driven out early in the morning with the load of glass and wood planks, along with mysterious boxes and small barrels. She soon learned he'd thought of every need for transforming the carriage house into a home. Her appreciation for his thoughtfulness and abilities increased with every item he revealed in his wagon filled with surprises.
The first thing they had done was to remove the vehicles, working together to pull them outside while Jemma kept watch over Jim. Then Nathaniel used one of the handcarts to transfer smaller tools and parts into the neighboring barn. While he worked on clearing the heavier items, she swept out the cobwebs clinging to the corners and in the open windows. Some of the shutters remained, but he'd had to fashion several to replace the ones missing.
The next step had been inserting the glass panes so they would have a safe place to stay the night. In one large room. Together.
With each step they made toward that goal, her awareness of him had intensified until all he had to do was look at her to make her innards sparkle like fireworks on the Fourth of July. While she looked forward to the first ever display in Charlestown later in the year, she truly didn't need to feel all bright and on fire with every chance encounter. At the present moment, however, it proved a good thing the mulatto could serve as chaperone and thus mitigate any further temptation.
"You are quite an amazing woman, Lyn." Nathaniel threw a grin her way. "I think you'll be fine out here, as long as you have someone to protect you from harm, that is."
"I agree, and I will once the slaves arrive in a couple days." She dropped her hands to her sides as he turned the upper corner. She sighed, releasing frustration at the condition and its implications. "Father said they had to do some shuffling of duties before he could spare the three he's sending."
"Only three?" He moved to work across the top of the pane. "What will they do?"
"One to cook, one to handle the grounds, and one to work with the animals." She studied his shirt-clad muscled back as he worked, then trailed her gaze up to the collar length brown hair caught by a ribbon. A quick tug would free the tresses, a further temptation for her fidgety fingers. She stayed still with a force of will.
A horse whinnied from where the team had been turned out into the pasture behind the barn. Big, strong horses borrowed from her parents in order to pull the heavy wagon. Her lighter horses remained in town during the current trip, but would return with her when she moved her remaining belongings in her own carriage.
Whatever happened to the hunting dogs? They'd been left behind during the flight to town back in November. At least they could fend for themselves, hunting for their food. Maybe they'd see and hear the activity and come home. She'd be glad of the watchful company.
"What about Jim's nursemaid?" Nathaniel shook his head to ward off an inquisitive fly, his hair flowing back and forth with the movement.
She stopped her hand from lifting, reaching for him. She spun away, denying the urge to touch him, and snared the rags and bucket of water. Better to keep her hands busy with work. She lowered her voice to a whisper. "I've arranged for an indentured servant to care for him. I'd rather not have a slave caring for my son."
He turned to face her, pulling a rag from his pocket to wipe the blade clean. He glanced at Jemma, then whispered, "Why not? I'd think you'd want to follow your family's lead."
She shook her head as she dunked and wrung out a rag. "Belinda, my previous slave, fled at her first opportunity. Not that I blame her for wanting to be free, mind you. But it did leave me in quite a predicament. One I wish to avoid in the future."
"Have you arranged for the indentured servant?" He spoke in his normal deep voice, the one that shivered through her with each word, as he laid the knife on the work table.
"Amy and I went with Benjamin the other day to make the payment for an Irish girl, Peggy McKinley." She rubbed the newly set pane with her rag, careful to not disturb the caulk with each swipe. Beyond, the sunlight faded as night—and bedtime—approached. She swallowed the nervous dismay as she finished drying the glass. "She should be at the house by now, learning from my mother what we expect her to do."
He grunted his under
standing and then looked around the room before returning his gaze to rest upon her. "I'll fetch our bedding since it'll be dark soon."
"I'll see to laying the table for dinner while you..."
She couldn't finish her thought. Couldn't say the words "make our beds." She stared at him, helpless to utter another sound until her mind stopped dwelling on the image of sleeping with the delicious man smiling at her. He knew. A slight lift of a brow and the twitch of his lips showed he'd interpreted her silent struggle. She waved him away, forcing a chuckle to cover her discomfiture.
"I'll be back shortly." He removed his gloves, peeling them off to reveal his capable hands, and laid them on the work table on his way out of the room.
After the door thumped closed, she drew in a shaky breath and considered her next move: clean off the work table and throw a cloth over it to provide a decent place to eat their picnic dinner. She glanced at the hamper she'd left by the door, the corner of a red table cloth peeking out of the wicker lid. Her mouth watered at the thought of its contents: fried chicken, sliced roast beef, cornbread with butter, and apple spice cake. First, though, her aching breasts reminded her that she needed to feed her son.
"Jemma, I'll take him." Evelyn strode over to receive Jim into her arms. Jemma rose and stepped aside, and Evelyn sat in the rocking chair. "Why don't you see if you can help Mr. Williams."
"Yes, Miss." Jemma hurried to the door, where she flung a shawl around her shoulders before slipping outside, the door thumping closed behind her.
Alone with her son, Evelyn opened the flap on the bodice of her dress and then positioned Jim for his dinner. She cast a light blanket over him. No need for exposing herself to Nathaniel, even if feeding her son was a natural act. At home, she retired to her room but here they had only one warm space. The setting sun would permit the cold outside to deepen, so the fire was welcome. With no other place to retire to maintain her privacy, she'd stay by the warmth and light while she nursed.